Friday, August 29, 2008

Well, this was the start of a new school year. So many emotions for me. I was excited that my two older ones wouldn't be fighting ever 10 minutes. They get along most of the time, but summers are tough when they are with each other all the time... I am surprised I have any hair left. My youngest starts preschool next Tuesday, so this week was getting to know the teacher and having to get her suppiles for this new endeavor. I'm sad that all my babies are growing up too fast. My middle daughter started 1st grade and going to school all day for the first time.....scary! It's like you throw them out there and just hope they will be ok. I know its tough, but when I was standing by her in line with all her peers......she just looked so small and innocent and I know how kids will be and tease and be mean...it just breaks my heart. I know, I'm here when they come home and can't be with them all the time, but it's rough. I know, I know some of you are thinking.....cut the cord, girl. I am very proud of my crew, but it's too many firsts for this mom to handle. So sorry for laying it all out and not talking about more excited art stuff. So more.....

My oldest started his last first day of elementry school. I remember dropping him off in kindergarten and can't believe the years have flown by....so darn quickly. Now, with the blink of the eye, he is the big dog of the school, but next year he will start junior high...even MORE scary for me to think about...ugh!!!!! So, with all these starts.....I do have some of my own art stuff happening too. Which is kinda good, so I don't dwell on my kidos and just weep some more. I accepted an offer from a store on the east coast. She sent me pictures of her shop and I was just thrilled, but scared all at the same time. I get so nervous shipping my products and not being able to go to the shoppe and see her new items and peek at mine....all so scary for me!! I know, I must forge ahead and try to get my art seen by others...hopefully putting a smile on their faces too :) So, today as I sit by the computer and ponder all these things...in silence mind you, my house is very VERY quiet, I am very excited, sad, nervous...all of these crazy emotions, but the fall is coming and I welcome it with open arms. I will embrace it and try not to cry that much.....thanks for listening. I do have some new pieces for the sites I participate on.....so here is a tid bit of what's coming, I hope you enjoy! Check back soon for some fall goodies!!!Have a wonderful Holiday weekend!! Goodbye summer, my legs will miss you terribly!

Thursday, August 21, 2008

Thanks so much for all you advice on my picture taking. I am taking it all in, writing a ton of notes...so I don't forget and hopefully they will work for my next month's offerings. So thanks again for all the great tips. See, I secretly knew not all artists are NOT MEAN...and will offer their advice to help their fellow artists. So thanks a BUNCH it means a lot!!!!

I feel very humbled Kim Hardt gave me a blog award...I love going to see her creations...she always has they most detailed gang of new delights....eye candy for sure. Hop on over to her blog and check them out!! Thanks Kim, you are a sweetie!!

On to more eye candy, if you hop on over to Soft in the Head's blog She is having an amazing giveaway....yes GIVE-A-WAY!! Stop by and see them....you wont be sorry! Here is a is just one of her giveaways....ohh I want her :) Love, love the polka dots!!

Hurry...what are you still reading my blog for go and enter her giveaway. The winner will be pulled September 1st. Good luck! I will be having a fall giveaway too. I'm close to my 50th blog post. So I have started something special the occasion. Take care and I will be back soon :o)

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

I have been tagged by the lovely Kim Hardt. I am supposed to tell you what tools I use in my artwork. Well, I love gadgets.....gadgets for my kitchen, gadgets for my garden, gadgets for everything and having them for my art is no exception. Here is a picture of just a few.

I have a old fashion thingy...I don't know the proper name, but I know it's pretty old. My aunt used to have a bunch of tools and when I came across this one, I fell in love. It's the silver one on the right. Inside the top (the wide bulky part) is about 9 bits. You put it into the top and then when you give it force...good ol' elbow power, it digs a hole into the wood. I love it, I use it on almost ever piece I make, because I use dowels to start my figures out. Then, I have needle nose pliers...the mini ones. I love mine, they're pink, plus my husband will never use um'(so that means they won't get lost). Next, I have huge dog nail clippers....I know kinda strange, but they cut dowels easily and smoothly. I don't use these on my dog, he has his own pair, but sometimes you find something because you can't find what you usually use and use it. This worked and it worked WELL!! Next, I have toothpicks...I use them a ton, I buy them at the dollar store....1500 for a buck!! Nice tool, for paint...small details and adding glue!! Lastly, I have only one hand in the picture...I just couldn't find the other one. Just kidding, the other one is holding the complicated tool that I don't like....my camera.! UGGH!! I think my hands are my best tool.....I smooth and smooth with my fingers and I just love getting them dirty!! Thanks Kim for inviting me to play...this was fun. I hope you enjoyed my tools. Here's a sneek peek of what I have been working on with all my fancy tools.....lol!! Enjoy your day :)

Monday, August 11, 2008

Have you ever been so frustrated you wanted to pack it all in? I'm having problems taking pictures of my art. I simply CAN NOT do it. I have tried and tried...and I think it's becoming worse. I go to other blogs and many of you have such wonderful pictures. I get so inspired, but mine never turn out :( So any helpful tips (even tell me what camera you have) I would welcome, PLEASE :)

Just some info: I have a Canon Power Shot S3 IS....I think it's too much for me and what I need, but then I don't know. I don't know camera's or computers....ughh.... when your trying to sell your art those are two things you can't be bad at! Sorry for the negativity and souriness....I would just like to get better. So I will forge ahead and any help...send my way! Thanks a bunch~I should add...if you have ever given me advice before.... I did listen, I even wrote it down so I wouldn't forget....but I'm just a seriously bad picture taker...uggh again!

So in that area I will share what I'm talking about...here is a sneek peek.

The first piece will be listed on the new site I have been telling you about with awesome artists, Spooky Time Jingles. I have three Halloween pieces and 4 Christmas pieces that will debut in 2 days on the 13th. There 's doorprizes and free shippng...come on by and support handmade. Here is one of my offerings.....this little guy is a part of a Halloween Box....he was so fun to make!Boo.......did he scare you? He makes me laugh....

Next is a piece I just added to my Etsy Shoppe.....click the red shoes on the side of my blog to see more....

Here is scaredy cat and she is so sweet...I just love her facial expression. Wish you could see her detail a bit better...maybe you can help me in the photography area........please! Have a great day everyone. Talk to you soon, Jackie

Thursday, August 7, 2008

Just a quick post. My husband and I did a buddy race over the weekend and we had a blast.

It's a 7 mile course with running and biking in trails and lots of MUD...then at the finish line you have to dig...like army crawl through the mud pit to cross the finish line. It was so much fun, I can't wait till next year to do it again. Here's a peek of us....of course I had more mud on me then my husband.....it was so much fun and just hilarious. You could even wear a costume....there was a husband and wife team that was "Thing #1 & 2" from Dr. Suess that was my favorite. Enjoy the pic.....get a good laugh and if you want to do it with your buddy check out the site. It's all over the country so it's bound to be close to ya!

Check back soon...almost time for Spooky Time Jingles and I have some holiday goodies almost finished. My debut will be the 13th, I'm sooo excited to be apart of this great site. Take care, Jackie